Tracking plug door

ABSTRACT

The specification and drawings disclose an improved mounting and operating mechanism for a plug-type door. The disclosed assembly is for use in a door opening defined by a frame including spaced first and second vertically extended frame members. Upper guideway means extend adjacent the top door opening and a lower guideway means extends under the door opening and longitudinally of the car past the second frame members. This permits a door to be moved longitudinally of the car away from the opening. A door member adapted to be received within the opening is mounted on the guideways and has leading and trailing lateral edges adapted to mate with the first and second lateral frame members respectively of the opening. Upper and lower sets of roller means support the door member. Each set of roller means includes at least one roller member located generally along the leading edge so that as the leading edge moves toward the first frame member, cooperation between the guideway means and the roller members cause the leading edge of the door to move into the opening. The upper and lower sets of roller means each further include at least a second roller member spaced from the first set in the direction of the trailing edge. Each of said second roller members is carried by crank arms on a vertically extending rotatable shaft assembly. Latch bolt means are mounted along at least the trailing edge for engaging the second door frame member when the door is in the opening. Additionally, actuating means are provided for rotating the shaft assembly and moving the latch bolt means. The actuating means include means for producing retraction of the latch bolts prior to rotation of the crank arms.

United States Patent [191 Galbarzyk et al.

[ Jan. 22, 1974 TRACKING PLUG DOOR [75] Inventors: Leslie L. Galbarzyk, Oak Park; Irving D. Ross, Jr., Barrington; Thorvald Madland, Arlington Heights, all of Ill.

[73] Assignee: The Youngstown Steel Door Company, Chicago, Ill.

[22] Filed: June 20, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 264,408

[52] US. Cl. 49/220, 49/219 [51] Int. Cl E05d 15/10 [58] Field of Search..... 49/215, 220, 221, 222, 217, 49/246, 248, 250, 292, 219

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,878,533 3/1959 Beauchamp 49/220 2,228,711 1/1941 Steuber 49/215 2,747,239 5/1956 Soddy 49/220 3,341,972 9/1967 Soddy et al. 49/220 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 700,434 12/1964 Canada 49/219 Primary Examiner-Dennis L. Taylor Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Fay, Sharpe and Mulholland [57] ABSTRACT The specification and drawings disclose an improved mounting and operating mechanism for a plug-type door. The disclosed assembly is for use in a door opening defined by a frame including spaced first and second vertically extended frame members. Upper guideway means extend adjacent the top door opening and a lower guideway means extends under the door opening and longitudinally of the car past the second frame members. This permits a door to be moved longitudinally of the car away from the opening. A door member adapted to be received within the opening is mounted on the guideways and has leading and trailing lateral edges adapted to mate with the first and second lateral frame members respectively of the opening. Upper and lower sets of roller means support the door member. Each set of roller means includes at least one roller member located generally along the leading edge so that as the leading edge moves toward the first frame member, cooperation between the guideway means and the roller members cause the leading edge of the door to move into the opening. The upper and lower sets of roller means each further include at least a second roller member spaced from the first set in the direction of the trailing edge. Each of said second roller members is carried by crank arms on a vertically extending rotatable shaft assembly. Latch bolt means are mounted along at least the trailing edge for engaging the second door frame member when the door is in the opening. Additionally, actuating means are provided for rotating the shaft assembly and moving the latch bolt means. The actuating means include means for producing retraction of the latch bolts prior to rotation of the crank arms.

16 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PAIENTED JAN 2 215174 SHEET 3 0F 7 "III,

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SHEEI 7 BF T in QR DON TRACKING PLUG noon BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The subject invention is directed toward the art of rail car doors and, more particularly, to an improved mounting and actuating mechanism for a modified plug-type door. The invention will be described with reference to a specific structural embodiment; however, it should be appreciated that the inventive features could be incorporated in many different specific embodiments.

Several types of rail car doors are currently in use. The two most common types are the simple sliding door and the plug door. The recognized advantages of the sliding door are its simplicity and low cost, and the fact that it is within the car clearance diagram. lts disadvantages are that it is difficult to seal tightly and often difficult to open if the lading shifts against it. On the other hand, plug doors are generally capable of providing a tight seal and open easily. However, they are typically relatively complex and expensive. Moreover, when in the open position, they are generally outside of the cars clearance diagram.

The subject invention provides a door mounting and actuating assembly which has the general simplicity of a sliding door but the sealing ability of a plug door. Moreover, the inventive arrangement is such that pressure of lading acting against the inside of the door will not cause it to pop open dangerously as sometimes happens with poorly designed plug doors. Similarly, the lading cannot drag against the inside of the door to make opening difficult as is often the case with sliding doors. Additionally, doors formed in accordance with the invention can be kept within the cars clearance diagram even when in the open position.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION Broadly, the invention contemplates a door assembly for use in a rail car having a door opening defined by a frame including spaced first and second lateral frame members. The improved door assembly includes an upper guideway means extending over the door opening and a lower guideway means extending under the door opening. The guideway means extend longitudinally of the car pastthe second frame members to permit a door to be moved longitudinally of the car away from the opening. Mounted on the guideway means is a door member adapted to be received within the opening and having leading and trailing lateral edges adapted to mate with the first and second lateral frame members respectively. The door is supported and guided by upper and lower sets of guide means. Each set of guide means includes at least one first member located generally along the leading edge so that as the leading edge moves toward the first frame member, cooperation between the first end portions of the guideway means and the one member causes the leading edge of the door to move into the opening. The upper and lower sets of guide means each further include at least a second member spaced from the first in the direction of the trailing edge. Each of the second members are carried by crank arms on a first portion of a vertically extending rotatable shaft assembly. Latch bolt means are mounted along at least the trailing edge for engaging the second frame member when the door is in the opening. Additionally, actuating means are provided for rotating a second portion of the shaft assembly and moving the latch bolt means. The actuating means include means for producing retraction of the latch bolts prior to rotation of the first portion of the shaft assembly.

The invention also contemplates that, preferably, the second portion of the shaft assembly includes a sleevelike member mounted on the first shaft portion and rotatable relative thereto. Additionally, a lost motion drive means is located between the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion for producing rotation of the first shaft portion only after a predetermined rotation of the second shaft portion.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the first vertical frame member defines a recess into which the leading edge of the door is received during the closing operation. As the first shaft portion is rotated to rotate the crank members, the trailing edge of the door swings inwardly, pivoting about the leading edge to a closed position. The interrelationship between the crank members and the securing or latch bolt means assures latch bolt operation following the closing. Additionally, the latch bolt or securing means are retracted or opened prior to rotation of the shaft on an opening operation.

Additionally, but not necessarily, the guide members on the leading edge are biased to cause the leading edge of the door to be continually biased outwardly of the track. The guide members on the trailing portion of the door are biased so that the trailing edge is continually under a force toward the opening. However, means are provided to selectively maintain the door in its outward position when open.

The biasing of the shaft plus the lost motion clutch further serves to divorce latch bolt and door opening operation. Additionally, if the shaft biasing spring should break, the door cannot be left only partially closed and rather must be manually forced in before the latch bolts will extend. This assures that the door is properly closed, locked and sealed.

Another aspect of the invention is that the actuating mechanism can be mounted on the door as a complete unit. Thus, should a malfunction occur, the entire assembly can be quickly removed from the door and a new replacement assembly installed.

As is apparent from the above, the door assembly of the subject invention is particularly simple and foolproof in operation. Additionally, plug door type operation is achieved without the necessity for the somewhat complex mounting and actuating mechanism required for the usual plug-type door.

Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is the provision of a plug-type door in which movement of the door proper into and out of the door opening is achieved with a simple mounting and actuating mechanism.

Still another object is the provision of a simple door assembly in which the door has an initial outward movement during door opening so that lading applying a force against the door does not prevent opening.

A further object is the provision of a door assembly of the general type described in which movement into and out of the door opening is, in part, achieved by the contour of the door guideways and wherein a tight positive door seal is assured.

Yet another object is a provision of the door assembly described which is simple to construct and operate and highly reliable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation showing the preferred form of the inventive door assembly in the closed position;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the right hand side of the door of FIG. 1 showing the door operating mechanism in greater detail;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 77 of FIG. 2 and showing the drive clutch arrangement for the operating mechanism;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the leading edge of a door formed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a view taken on line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view taken on line 1010 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but showing a third embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 12 and 12a are cross sections through the left hand edge of the door frame showing a modified form of door edge sealing gasket; and

FIGS. 13 and 13a are cross-sectional views through the right hand portion of the door frame with a modified gasket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1 shows, in elevation, a door assembly formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The door assembly is identified generally by the reference numeral 10 and is shown mounted on the side of a rail car 12. In the embodiment under consideration, the door is adapted to be received within an opening 14. In FIG. 1, the door 10 is illustrated in the closed position in which it is within the opening 14. Suitable guideway forming rails or tracks 16 and 18 extend longitudinally of the car 12 adjacent the upper and lower edges of the opening to permit the door to be moved laterally out of the opening 14 and, thereafter, longitudinally of the car.

The overall arrangement of the door proper is relatively conventional. It should be appreciated that the particular structural details could vary substantially from that shown. However, in the embodiment under consideration, the door 10 includes a pair of vertically extending channel-like members 20 and 22 having the configuration best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Connected between the vertically extending members 20, 22 are four somewhat channel shaped cross members 23 through 26. The cross members 23-26 are preferably welded or otherwise rigidly connected to the vertical members. Suitable sheet metal panels 27-29 extend between the vertical members 20, 22 and the horizontally extending cross members 23-26 to provide a rigid sealed door.

The door opening 14 is defined by a frame which includes a header assembly 30. As best shown in FIG. 3, header assembly 30 includes a first frame member 32 which extends the entire width of the opening and has a second frame member 34 welded to its lower edge and extending inwardly therefrom to define a recess into which the top edge of the door is received when it is in its closed position. A plate 35 extends between members 32 and 34 in the manner shown to provide a rigid box frame header assembly. Across the lower edge of the opening a somewhat channel shaped sill member 36 is mounted to the car structural members 38. The lateral sides of the opening are formed by a pair of vertically extending frame members 40 and 41 which have the shape best shown in FIGS. 6 and 5 respectively. Note that both of the members 40, 41 have a portion extending inwardly of the outside of the car and terminating in flanges 40a and 41a to define door engaging seal surfaces.

Carried on the inwardly extending flanges of the door frame defining members are resilient members which provide a lading tight labyrinth seal for the door when it is in the closed position. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, members 46 and 48 extend vertically up the lateral sides of the opening on the flanges 41a and 40a respectively. The members are shown as comprising a generally U-shaped metal strip 50. A similar member 54 extends across the upper members of the opening.

FIGS. 12-13a show a modified form of door gasket which can be used in any embodiments of the invention. In particular, the left hand edge of the door frame which receives the leading edge of the door has an extruded gasket member 48a formed from rubber or other elastomeric material positioned within the U- shaped metal strip 48. FIG. 12 shows the gasket 48a in its normal configuration when the door is open. As can be seen, gasket 48a is a generally flat tube sized so as to be closely received within the U-shaped metal member 48. Preferably, member 48a is cemented or otherwise positively affixed therein. A resilient tab or lip 48a extends outwardly along the entire length of the gasket. FIG. 12a shows gasket 48a when the door is in the closed position. Note that the lip 48b is engaged by the inner surface of the door edge member 20. A tight lip seal is thus provided between the gasket and the door.

The gasket illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 12a is preferably used only on the side of the door frame which receives the leading edge of the door. FIGS. 13 and 13a show a gasket configuration best suited for the upper and trailing edges of the door. In this modification, a relatively flat resilient tube 460 is received within the U-shaped metal gasket 46 and cemented or otherwise affixed therein. A portion of gasket 460 extends a substantial distance out of member 46. FIG. 13 shows the configuration of the gasket in the door open position. When the door is closed as illustrated in FIG. 13, the inwardly extending door flange of member 22 engages the exposed portion of gasket 46a to provide a tight seal.

The gasket modifications of FIGS. l-l3a thus provide a combined metal to metal and resilient elastomeric to metal seal about the lateral side edges and top of the door.

As previously mentioned, the door 10 is arranged to move longitudinally of the car 12 on guideway forming members 16 and 18. As best shown in FIG. 3, the guideway forming member 16 comprises a downwardly open channel 60 formed by a pair of metal members 61 and 62 having the contour shown. Although they could be mounted in many different ways, in the embodiment under consideration, members 61 and 62 are welded to the header member 32. The lower guide member 18 comprises a rail or track forming bar 64 which extends along the car and is suitably supported therefrom by a plurality of bracket members 66 best shown in FIG. 4.

The door is guided at its upper edge by a first guide member shown in the form of roller 68 carried at the left hand corner of the door by a bracket 70. At the lower left hand edge of the door the guide members include a pivotally mounted roller or wheel 72 carried by a bracket 74 welded to the lower cross member 26. Roller assembly 72 is arranged for pivotal movement about axis 76 to provide a caster-like action. A pair of guide surfaces 75 extend down on each side of roller 72 to cause it to track properly on bar 64. It should be noted that the roller assembly is continually biased in a clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 6) by a coil spring 78. Spring 78 has one end joined to the top surface of cross member 26 and its opposite end connected to a lever arm 78 joined to the roller supporting shaft 80. This arrangement causes the leading edge of the door to be continuously biased toward the door opening. Additionally, it should be understood that the left hand end of the guideway forming assemblies 16 and 18 are curved inwardly toward the door opening.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the bar member 64 curves inwardly toward the opening and has a contour such that during a closing operation the left hand edge of the door 10 is caused to move into the recess 82 defined by the gasket member 48 and a V-shaped channel 84 welded or otherwise connected to the vertical frame member 41. When the door is in the closed position the left hand edge is firmly in engagement with the seal or gasket 48 and the inner surface of the V-shaped member 84 in the manner shown in FIG. 6.

The door is supported along its right hand side (as viewed in FIG. 1) by an operating assembly 90 including additional guide members. The operating assembly 90 comprises a vertically mounted shaft or pipe assembly 92 which includes a first shaft portion 93 that extends substantially the full length of the door and is carried at its upper end by a bracket 94 releasably joined to the upper cross frame member 93 by bolts 95. At the lower end of shaft portion 93 a similar bracket 96 is releasably joined to the lower cross member 26 by bolts 97. Connected to the upper end of shaft portion 93 and carried on a crank arm 98 is guide member including a roller 100 (see FIG. 3). Roller 100 is received in the groove 60 of the guideway forming means 16 in the manner of roller 68. At the lower end of shaft portion 93 the door is supported and guided by a guide member which includes a roller assembly 102 carried on a crank arm 104. Crank arm 104 is positively joined to shaft 92 for rotation therewith.

Positioned about the central portion of the first shaft portion 93 and rotatable relative thereto is second shaft portion shown as a sleeve or shaft 108. Second shaft portion 108, as best shown in FIG. 5, is closely received on the first shaft portion 93. At its lower end portion, it is rotatably received in a guide bracket 110 connected to the cross member 25. The shaft portion 108 is drivingly interconnected with the shaft portion 93 through a lost motion drive including dog type clutches 112 best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7. Note that the upper clutch 112 has an upper half 114 which is positively connected to shaft portion 93. A lower half 116 is drivingly connected to the shaft portion 108. The clutch halves 114 and 116 are preferably formed as best shown in FIG. 7.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the lower clutch half 116 includes a pair of upwardly extending dogs or protuberances 118 having the general shape illustrated. The upper clutch half 1 14 includes a pair of downwardly extending protuberances 112 and 124 which. when the door is in theclosed position, are located as illustrated by the dotted lines in FIG. 7. That is, sections 122 and 124 have an arcuate extent as identified by the arrows.

The lower clutch 112 has generally the same arrangement as the upper clutch illustrated in FIG. 7. As can be appreciated, the central shaft portion 108 can be rotated approximately before faces 118 and 120' engage with faces 124' and 122'. When the faces 120' and 118' engage faces 122 and 124 continued rotation of shaft portion 108 will produce corresponding driven rotation of shaft portion 93. The importance of this relationship will subsequently become apparent.

When the door is in the closed position the leading edge is, as previously mentioned, engaged behind the vertically extending member 84 as best seen in FIG. 6. The door is locked in the closed position through the use of securing means shown as a pair of laterally movable lock bolt members and 132, best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5. As illustrated, the lock members 130 and 132 extend slidably through openings formed in the vertically extending door frame member 22. Rectangular guides 134 and 136 are joined to the frame member 22 for guiding the respective lock bolts during their reciprocatory movement.

When the door is moved into the opening, the lock bolts are in alignment with corresponding keeper openings. The keeper openings are defined by members 140 and 142 welded or otherwise positively connected to the vertically extending door frame member 40 as best shown in FIG. 5. It should be noted that the forward wall of member 140 is inclined and a corresponding incline is formed on the end of the lock bolt member to produce a camming type final closing movement. Additionally, the cooperating inclines on the lock bolt members and the keeper openings serve to relieve outwardly acting forces which may act against the door during an opening operation.

The lock bolt members 130 and 132 are reciprocated by rotation of the central shaft 108. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, lock bolt member 132 is connected to the end of a link member 146 by a vertically extending pm 148. Pin 148 is received in elongated grooves 150 formed in outwardly extending guide plates 152 joined to the door. Link 146 has its opposite end pivotally connected to a crank member 154 carried on shaft 108.

As can be seen, the first movement of the shaft portion 108 causes the latch bolts to be withdrawn from the keepers 140, 142. A positive driving movement of shaft portion 93 does not, however, take place until clutch faces 118 and 120 engage faces 122 and 124. Thereafter, continued clockwise movement of shaft 108 produces driving clockwise movement of shaft portion 93 and rotation of cranks 104 and 98 to move the door completely out of the door opening.

The means for rotating shaft 108 could take many forms; however, in the subject embodiment the means comprise a lever 160 connected to a bracket 162 carried on shaft portion 108. Lever 160 can pivot about a horizontal axis defined by bolt 164. This allows the handle to be positioned in a retainer or bracket 166 when the door is in a closed position. Additionally, aligned openings 168 are provided in the bracket and the arm so that the usual door seal tags can be applied. When the lever 160 has been moved out of the bracket and rotated clockwise 180, the door is in the full open position. A second retainer or bracket 170 is provided for holding the handle and shaft portion 93 in the open position. Bracket 170 thus serves the same function as the antidrift mechanisms used in plug door arrangements.

The delayed action of the clutch face engagements discussed earlier minimizes the time for which a force action to pop the door outwardly will result in a flying lever. Moreover, the pivot 164 allows the lever to drop under the influence of gravity so that it will not strike the person operating the door.

A coil spring 172 is connected between a plate 174 joined to shaft portion 93 and a plate 176 joined to door cross member 26. Thus, during the opening movement of shaft 92 spring 172 is wound up and tensioned. This tensioned condition is maintained after the door is open by placing lever 160 in retainer 170. Outward forces which are sometimes produced by the lading acting against the inside of the door are also partially dissipated during opening by spring 172.

When the right hand or trailing edge of the door is fully opened, the door can be moved along the guideway forming members 16 and 18. As the door is moved to the right the leading or left hand edge of the door withdraws from the recess 82 because of the cooperation between rollers 68, 72 and the curved end portions of members 16 and 18. The door can then freely move to the right along the side of the car.

On a closing motion, the reverse of the abovedescribed operation takes place. That is, the leading edge of the door is moved into the opening 82 (see FIG. 6) because of the relationship of the guide rollers and the guideways. The spring 172 which has been tensioned during opening and held in tension by the lever being in the retainer 170 drives the dogs of the clutch together as the lever is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction toward the closed position. The spring 172 thus causes the trailing edge of the door to swing into the opening. Thereafter, the latch bolts are extended into the keepers by further rotation of the lever counter-clockwise toward the lever retainer 166 where it is held. If spring 172 breaks, the door will not move back into the opening sufficiently to permit extension of the latch bolts. Thus, the door must be manually forced into the opening before it can be latched.

Although not discussed, an opening 62a (see FIG. 1) is formed through the header assembly 30 to permit roller 68 to pass behind the guide track 60 as the leading edge moves into the opening.

As noted, the embodiment of FIG. 1 requires that the header assembly 30 have an opening formed through it for passage of the upper guide member of the leading edge of the door so that the door can move to a closed position. FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a modified form of the invention which eliminates the need for a passage or opening through the header assembly. In the description of this embodiment elements which correspond to the elements of FIG. 1 embodiment will be identified with the same reference numerals but differentiated therefrom by the use of a prime suffix. It should be understood that the description of one such element is to be taken as equally applicable to the other unless otherwise noted. In the FIGS. 8-10 embodiment the guide means for the leading edge of the door include a lower guide wheel assembly which is the same as that described with reference to the FIG. 1 embodiment. The upper header assembly 30', however, is substantially modified from the FIG. 1 embodiment. In particular, (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9) it includes the downwardly open channel 60' formed by the metal members 61 and 62 having the contour illustrated and discussed with reference to the FIG. 1 embodiment. The difference, however, is that the channel 60 terminates at position 200 seen in FIG. 10. Extending from position 200 over to the left band edge of the door frame is a guide member 202. Member 202 is positioned at a location beneath the downwardly open channel 60' (see FIG. 9). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 10, it should be noted that member 202 extends inwardly from the outer portion of channel 60' to a location which is within the door opening. Suitable braces or horizontal reenforcing members 204 and 206 are provided along the outer surface of guide 202. It should be noted that member 204 extends along the face of the downwardly extending leg of member 32' whereas member 206 extends immediately therebelow and under the lower edge of the downwardly extending leg of 32 into engagement with the back of guide 202. Suitable triangular shaped re-enforcing brackets 208 are positioned above and below members 204 and 206. At its right hand end the guide 202 is joined to the underside of member 61 as shown in FIG. 8. The leading edge of door 10' is formed generally as described with reference to the FIG. 1 embodiment; however, as shown dotted in FIG. 10, a guide or slide plate 212 is welded or otherwise positively joined within frame member 20 and is located so as to engage the inner face 213 of guide member 202 as the leading edge of the door moves to the left. This causes the leading edge of the door to be cammed inwardly by the cooperation of the guide member 202 and the plate 212.

In order to support the door for proper movement while permitting it to move inwardly, the upper guide assembly 214 includes a crank member 216 carried on a stub shaft 218 suitably connected to the door proper by a plate member 220. A roller 222 is carried by a shaft 224 which extends upwardly from the outer end of the crank arm 216. As can be seen, this arrangement alows the leading edge of the door to swing inwardly during a closing operation. Additionally, however, as shown in FIG. 8, a coil spring 226 is positioned about the lower end of shaft 218 in the manner discussed with reference to spring 78'. Spring 226 is arranged so as to be tensioned during a door closing operation. Thus, when the door is opened the crank arm 216 is driven by the spring 226 to rotate the leading edge of the door to its outermost position.

The embodiment of FIG. 11 is generally similar to the FIGS. 8-10 embodiment except that the upper and lower guide assemblies 214 and 240, respectively, are interconnected for movement simultaneously by a vertically extending shaft 230 which is removably carried on the door 10 by a plurality of brackets 221 bolted to the door. The shaft 230 and the crank arm assemblies can thus be removed from the door as a unit for repair or replacement.

The lower guide assembly 240 comprises a crank arm 241 which is positively connected to the end of shaft 230. A roller assembly 242 is mounted at the outer end of arm 241 for swiveling movement about a vertical axis. As can be appreciated, this arrangement does not require that the left end of track 18' curve inwardly as required in the FIG. 1 embodiment.

In operation, the FIG. 11 embodiment functions basically the same as the FIGS. 8-10 embodiment. That is, as the door is moved to the left the leading edge will engage the guide member 202 causing the leading end of the door to be directed into the recess into sealing engagement with the door frame. Upon opening operation, spring 226 causes the door to move outwardly as the door is moved to the right.

The invention has been described in great detail sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the rail car door art to make and use the same. Obviously, modifications and alterations of the preferred embodiments will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the specification. All such modifications and alterations are to be considered as part of our invention insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. In a rail car having a door opening defined by a frame including spaced first and second vertical frame members, an improved door assembly for closing said door opening comprising:

an upper guideway means extending adjacent the top of said door opening;

a lower track extending adjacent the bottom of said door opening;

said upper guideway means and lower track each being spaced relatively outwardly of and adjacent to said opening and extending longitudinally of said car past said second frame member;

a door adapted to be received within said opening and having leading and trailing edges adapted to mate with said first and second vertical frame members respectively of said opening;

sets of upper guide means and door-supporting lower guide means for movement of said door longitudinally of said car along said upper guideway means and lower track, said upper and lower sets of guide means each including at least one guide member located relatively close to said leading edge as opposed to said trailing edge so that as said leading edge moves toward said first vertical frame member cooperation between first end portions of said upper guideway means and lower track adjacent said first vertical frame member and the guide means causes the leading edge of said door member to move toward and into said opening;

said upper and lower sets of guide means each further including at least a second guide member spaced from said first guide members in the direction of said trailing edge, each of said second guide members being carried by crank arms on a first vertically extending rotatable shaft assembly which includes first and second shaft portions;

a latch bolt relatively close to said trailing edge as pposed to said leading edge for locking said door in a closed position in said openingi and actuating means rotatable about a vertical axis for rotating said shaft assembly selectively to close said door, to open said door and, to actuate said latch bolt after said door is substantially closed to lock said door and before said door is substantially opened to unlock said door.

2. The door assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said shaft assembly includes a first shaft portion with a second shaft portion on said first shaft portion and rotatable relative thereto; and lost motion drive means between said first shaft portion and said second shaft portion for producing rotation of said first shaft portion only after a predetermined rotation of said second shaft portion.

3. The door assembly as defined in claim 1 including spring means for continuously biasing said first shaft portion in a direction to produce closing movement of said door.

4. The door assembly of claim 1 including a manually operable handle for rotating said second shaft portion, said handle being pivotally connected to said second shaft portion.

5. The door assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said lower guide member located generally along said leading edge is carried by a crank member.

6. The door assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said crank member is continually biased in a direction to cause said leading edge to move outward of said opening.

7. The door assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein first vertical frame member defines a vertically extending recess which 'Fe'ceives the first edge of said door when said door is in a closed position.

8. The door assembly as defined in claim 1 including sealing means extending about at least a portion of said door opening.

9. The door assembly as defined in claim 8 in which said sealing means is a labyrinth seal.

llll. The door assembly as defined in claim 8 in which the sealing means is a compressible gasket between said door and said frame.

11. The door assembly as defined in claim 10 in which the compressible gasket extends at least along the leading edge, the top edge and the trailing edge of the door opening and the portion along said leading edge includes an outwardly extending flap.

12. The door assembly of claim 1 including means to move said guide members located generally along said leading edge in unison.

13. The door assembly of claim 1 wherein the guide members located generally along said leading edge are carried on crank means.

14. The door assembly of claim ll wherein said first and second shaft portions are rotatable about a single axis.

15. The door assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second shaft portions are drivingly interconnecte by lost motion clutch means.

16. In a rail car having a door opening defined by a frame including spaced first and second vertical frame members, an improved door assembly for closing said door opening comprising:

an upper guideway means extending adjacent the top of said door opening;

a lower track extending adjacent the bottom of said door opening;

said upper guideway means and lower track each being spaced relatively outwardly of and adjacent to said opening and extending longitudinally of said car past said second frame members;

a door adapted to be received within said opening and having leading and trailing edges adapted to mate with said first and second vertical frame members respectively of said opening;

sets of upper guide means and door supporting lower guide means for movement of said door longitudinally of said car along said upper guideway means and lower track, said upper and lower sets of guide means each including at least one guide member located relatively close to said leading edge as opsaid second vertical frame member. 

1. In a rail car having a door opening defined by a frame including spaced first and second vertical frame members, an improved door assembly for closing said door opening comprising: an upper guideway means extending adjacent the top of said door opening; a lower track extending adjacent the bottom of said door opening; said upper guideway means and lower track each being spaced relatively outwardly of and adjacent to said opening and extending longitudinally of said car past said second frame member; a door adapted to be received within said opening and having leading and trailing edges adapted to mate with said first and second Vertical frame members respectively of said opening; sets of upper guide means and door supporting lower guide means for movement of said door longitudinally of said car along said upper guideway means and lower track, said upper and lower sets of guide means each including at least one guide member located relatively close to said leading edge as opposed to said trailing edge so that as said leading edge moves toward said first vertical frame member cooperation between first end portions of said upper guideway means and lower track adjacent said first vertical frame member and the guide means causes the leading edge of said door member to move toward and into said opening; said upper and lower sets of guide means each further including at least a second guide member spaced from said first guide members in the direction of said trailing edge, each of said second guide members being carried by crank arms on a first vertically extending rotatable shaft assembly which includes first and second shaft portions; a latch bolt relatively close to said trailing edge as opposed to said leading edge for locking said door in a closed position in said opening; and actuating means rotatable about a vertical axis for rotating said shaft assembly selectively to close said door, to open said door and, to actuate said latch bolt after said door is substantially closed to lock said door and before said door is substantially opened to unlock said door.
 2. The door assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said shaft assembly includes a first shaft portion with a second shaft portion on said first shaft portion and rotatable relative thereto; and lost motion drive means between said first shaft portion and said second shaft portion for producing rotation of said first shaft portion only after a predetermined rotation of said second shaft portion.
 3. The door assembly as defined in claim 1 including spring means for continuously biasing said first shaft portion in a direction to produce closing movement of said door.
 4. The door assembly of claim 1 including a manually operable handle for rotating said second shaft portion, said handle being pivotally connected to said second shaft portion.
 5. The door assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said lower guide member located generally along said leading edge is carried by a crank member.
 6. The door assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said crank member is continually biased in a direction to cause said leading edge to move outward of said opening.
 7. The door assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein first vertical frame member defines a vertically extending recess which receives the first edge of said door when said door is in a closed position.
 8. The door assembly as defined in claim 1 including sealing means extending about at least a portion of said door opening.
 9. The door assembly as defined in claim 8 in which said sealing means is a labyrinth seal.
 10. The door assembly as defined in claim 8 in which the sealing means is a compressible gasket between said door and said frame.
 11. The door assembly as defined in claim 10 in which the compressible gasket extends at least along the leading edge, the top edge and the trailing edge of the door opening and the portion along said leading edge includes an outwardly extending flap.
 12. The door assembly of claim 1 including means to move said guide members located generally along said leading edge in unison.
 13. The door assembly of claim 1 wherein the guide members located generally along said leading edge are carried on crank means.
 14. The door assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second shaft portions are rotatable about a single axis.
 15. The door assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second shaft portions are drivingly interconnected by lost motion clutch means.
 16. In a rail car having a door opening defined by a frame including spaced first and second vertical frame members, an improved door assembly for closing said door oPening comprising: an upper guideway means extending adjacent the top of said door opening; a lower track extending adjacent the bottom of said door opening; said upper guideway means and lower track each being spaced relatively outwardly of and adjacent to said opening and extending longitudinally of said car past said second frame members; a door adapted to be received within said opening and having leading and trailing edges adapted to mate with said first and second vertical frame members respectively of said opening; sets of upper guide means and door supporting lower guide means for movement of said door longitudinally of said car along said upper guideway means and lower track, said upper and lower sets of guide means each including at least one guide member located relatively close to said leading edge as opposed to said trailing edge so that as said leading edge moves toward said first vertical frame member cooperation between first end portions of said upper guideway means and lower track adjacent said first vertical frame member and the guide means causes the leading edge of said door member to move toward and into said opening against spring means biasing the leading edge outwardly; second guide means relatively close to said trailing edge as opposed to said leading edge; means to move said trailing edge toward and into said opening and to secure said trailing edge adjacent said second vertical frame member. 